Does India have a problem with vulgar lyrics?

Is the outrage against vulgar lyrics justified?

And is there a limit which shouldn’t be crossed? Kabir Singh Bhandari tries to find out

Suggestive lyrics have always been a part of Bollywood songs, with probably the ‘iconic’ place for such reserved by Choli Ke Peechei Kya Hai from Khalnayak (1993) to the notorious Sarkay Leo Khattiya Jaada Lage (Raja Babu), both of which caused quite the furore when they were released.

A month back, however, the ‘suggestive’ part of the lyrics was literally done away with, and we were handed a straightforward description of the ‘act’ via Nora Fatehi’s item number Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from the upcoming film KD: The Devil. The song also starred Sanjay Dutt, who interestingly was also part of Choli Ke Peechei Kya Hai. The vulgarity of the song was criticised heavily on social media. However, reportedly, in this case, Dutt maintains that he was completely unaware about the lyrics and would not have been part of the song if he knew about them.

This controversy coincides with Badshah’s song Tateeree facing a backlash, owing to the fact that it had girls dressed in school uniforms dancing to the song in a classroom-like environment named ‘Badshala’, along with suggestive lyrics. These cases had FIRs, protests, and the National Commission for Women stepping in, post which various clarifications have been issued from both sides. While the lyricist of ‘Sarkei’ said that he merely translates the lyrics from Kannada, Nora said that she wasn’t aware of the use of such lyrics. Badshah has apologised and pledged to sponsor the education of 50 girls from underprivileged backgrounds.

But the main point here is whether Bollywood is a playground for vulgar lyrics. Hasn’t this always been the case? Are the protests louder now due to social media? We spoke to several eminent lyricists to hear their thoughts on the issue.